CyberPsychology & Behavior Volume 2, Number 2, 1999 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Virtual Environments for Targeting Cognitive Processes: An Overview of Projects at the University of Southern California A.A. RIZZO, Ph.D.,1 J.G. BUCKWALTER, Ph.D.,2 U. NEUMANN, Ph.D.,1 C. CHUA, B.S.,1 A. VAN ROOYEN, M.A.,2 P. LARSON, M.A.,2 K. KRATZ, MA.,2 C. KESSELMAN, Ph.D.,3 M. THIEBAUX, M.S., M.F.A.,3 and L. HUMPHREY, Ph.D.4 ABSTRACT The Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Southern California (USC) has ini¬ tiated a research program aimed at developing virtual reality (VR) technology applications for the study, assessment, and rehabilitation of cognitive processes. This technology is seen to offer many advantages for these aims. The status of two ongoing VR projects will be dis¬ cussed in this article. The projects outlined are being conducted via cooperative efforts with both the Integrated Media Systems Center and the Information Sciences Institute at USC. These departments consist of a multidisciplinary group of scientists that represents engi¬ neering, computer science, communications, information technology, education, and psy¬ chology. This mix of expertise has served to facilitate the development of these projects via an integrated approach to VR application development. The first project involves the devel¬ opment of a series of ImmersaDesk-delivered visuospatial tests and training tools that lever¬ age the interactive, dynamic, and 3D assets that are available with current VR technology. The second project involves a head mounted display (HMD) VR system for íhe study, as¬ sessment, and possible rehabilitation of attention disorders. It is believed that these projects target cognitive variables that are well matched to the current strengths and limitations that exist with presently available VR technology. INTRODUCTION Much like an aircraft simulator serves to test and train piloting ability, virtual environments Virtual Reality (VR) technology is in- çvEs) can be developed to present simulations creasingly being recognized as a useful tool that target human cognition and behavior. The for the study, assessment, and rehabilitation of capacity of VR to create dynamic three-dimen- cognitive processes and functional abilities.1-5 sional stimulus environments, in which all be¬ havioral responding can be recorded, offers as- _ sessment and rehabilitation options that are not lT . . ... ,. c r J.,. , „ .. available using traditional neuropsychological ^tegrated Media Systems Center/ Andrus Gerontology , , j°. .r J ° Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. methods. In this regard, a growing number of 2Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA. laboratories are developing research programs ^Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern to mvestigate the use of VEs'for these purposes, California, Marina del Ray, CA. , , ,, , ,. .. . 4The H.E.L.P. Group/UCLA Neuropsychology Pro- and controlled studies reporting encouraging gram, Sherman Oaks, CA. results are now beginning to emerge.^ 89 6-23